Knit a chick for Mountbatten 2020

Could you knit or crochet a chick to raise funds to support Islanders and their families when they need it most? That is the question being asked by Mountbatten, as they launch their annual knit-a-chick campaign which also seeks to raise awareness of a volunteer scheme called Mountbatten Neighbours.

Anyone can get involved in the Easter project by knitting or crocheting a chick, which can then be filled with a small chocolate egg. The completed chicks are sold as an ideal Easter gift in Mountbatten’s ten charity shops across the Island, raising important income for the hospice’s services. Last year, 367 wonderful chicks were created, raising an amazing £550.

As well as raising funds, the project aims to raise awareness of Mountbatten Neighbours, a free community-led project which offers time and support to people living close by who have serious illnesses or who are older, and face isolation and loneliness. Sally List, Mountbatten Neighbours project lead, said: “The idea behind Mountbatten Neighbours is that the relationship should be two-way, and that the neighbour should get as much enjoyment and fulfilment as the person being supported by them.”

Anyone is welcome to knit or crochet a chick from the patterns which are available to download from the Mountbatten website. Donations of crème eggs to fill the knitted chicks are also very welcome. Both the finished chicks and any egg donations can be taken to Mountbatten’s donation and delivery centre at Riverway Industrial Estate, 16a Riverway, Newport PO30 5UZ, or to your local Mountbatten shop. Each chick will be sold for £2 in Mountbatten shops.